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Puri, an Odisha coastal town, is the epitome of religious, natural and cultural diversity. As one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, it is the landing spot for millions of devotees at the sacred Jagannath Temple. In addition to its religious significance, Puri also has beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and a direct drive to nearby attractions such as Chilika Lake and the Sun Temple of Konark. Puri offers something for everyone, whether you are a history enthusiast, a beach lover or a religious aficionado. This Puri travel guide will provide you with all the details on planning your vacation, visiting the must-see places, enjoying the cuisine, and making the most of your trip.
Location
Photo: G.-U. Tolkiehn / Wikimedia Commons
Puri lies on India’s eastern coast, in the state of Odisha. It is located on the Bay of Bengal, about 60 km away from Bhubaneswar, the state capital. Its central location makes it a major centre for tourists flocking to Odisha’s Golden Triangle.
How To Reach
Photo: Susant purohit / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, about 60 km away. You can take a cab or bus to Puri from here.
By Train: Puri Railway Station has good connectivity to Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai.
By Road: Puri is accessible by NH-316. Buses regularly come from nearby cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, or you can take a cab.
Places To Visit In And Around Puri
From visiting the sacred Jagannath Temple to relaxing at the scenic sands of Puri Beach and enjoying the setting sun, the Puri travel guide covers it all for you.
1. Puri Beach
Photo: Sambit 1982 / Wikimedia Commons
Puri Beach is an oasis of golden sands and crashing waves. It’s a popular destination for tourists to stroll in the morning or just sit and have fun on the beach. The beach also turns into a cultural centre, with festivals such as the Puri Beach Festival highlighting Odisha’s heritage. Chances are that you’ll see stunning sand paintings by internationally renowned artists. If you’re into food, the beach shacks serve some good seafood, and it’s the perfect place to relax after you tour the city.
Location: Along Marine Drive Road
Best Time To Visit: October to February
2. Chilika Lake
Photo: Government of Odisha / Wikimedia Commons
The largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, Chilika Lake is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. In the winter, the lake becomes an abode for migrating birds such as flamingos, pelicans and herons. There is something magical about a cruise on the lake, its landscape, and its plant and animal life. The trip’s highlight is seeing the Irrawaddy dolphins at Satapada. There is a temple to the goddess Kalijai, also on Kalijai Island, within the lake. It’s a serene place with spectacular surroundings, and the visit to Chilika Lake should be a lifelong memory for travellers seeking peace.
Location: 50 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: November to February
3. Jagannath Temple
Photo: Government of Odisha / Wikimedia Commons
Its legendary Jagannath Temple forms the spiritual centre of Puri, one of Hinduism’s holiest monuments. Built in the 12th century, it is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple’s architecture is breathtaking, and its annual Rath Yatra attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. In the temple, you’ll find rituals and an intense religious commitment. The visitors should note that they cannot enter the temple itself but are allowed to view it from a platform outside. The temple’s streets are filled with shops selling souvenirs, sweets and holy wares.
Location: Puri Town
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
4. Konark Sun Temple
Photo: Subhrajyoti07 / Wikimedia Commons
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sun Temple in Konark is an architectural masterpiece. It dates from the 13th century and depicts a gigantic chariot with deeply carved wheels and riders. The temple is dedicated to the Sun God and is a testimony of Odisha’s excellence in design. Among the many amazing carvings are depictions of everyday scenes, deities and myths. Parts of the temple have fallen to pieces but it was unlike anything we have ever seen. The light and sound experience during the evening is a must-see for an authentic historical experience.
Location: 35 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: October to March
5. Raghurajpur Heritage Village
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Raghurajpur is a contemporary art and culture museum. This small village is famous for the Pattachitra paintings – a traditional way of telling stories through intricate paintings. On your way through the streets, you’ll see artists doing palm-leaf engravings, stone carvings and papier-mache work. Raghurajpur is also the centre of Gotipua dance performances, the precursor to the Odissi dance. The time you can spend here not only is for looking at the art, but it also gives you a chance to buy souvenirs from local artists.
Location: 15 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: October to March
6. Sakshigopal Temple
Photo: Chinmayee Mishra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Sakshigopal Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is a quiet religious place near Puri. Legend has it that a visit to this temple concludes the pilgrimage to Puri. The temple is famous for its magnificent idol of Lord Krishna made of black stone. Its quiet atmosphere and beautiful carvings make it worth visiting. There is a small bazaar inside the temple where devotees can purchase sweets and souvenirs. A pilgrimage to Sakshigopal can provide both spiritual and cultural immersion in the traditions of the land.
Location: 20 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: November to March
7. Pipili
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Pipili is a lively town where appliqué crafts are made. They are used to produce umbrellas, lampshades and decorative products out of these colourful fabrics with intricate patterns and bright patterns. It’s an art that the town’s handicrafters have passed down through the generations and which is now admired all over the world. Pipili’s markets are a great opportunity to browse and buy these handicrafts. The town is also involved in decorating the chariots on the Rath Yatra, which is an integral part of Puri’s cultural heritage.
Location: 40 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Where To Stay
Photo: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Various lodging options in Puri suit all budgets. Alternatively, you can opt for Mayfair Heritage or Sterling Puri, both of which have excellent facilities and amazing beachfront views. Mid-range hotels such as Hotel Holiday Resort and Hans Coco Palms offer comfort and value for money. For budget travellers, you may stay at low-cost guesthouses near the Jagannath Temple or in boarding houses managed by temple management. There are eco-resorts around Chilika Lake or heritage resorts in Raghurajpur that cater to nature lovers.
Where To Eat
Photo: MattiPaavola / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are so many different food options in Puri, whether it is street food or the real Odia cuisine. Don’t miss the Mahaprasad, the temple’s vegetarian meal made with ancient recipes. In terms of seafood, restaurants such as Wildgrass and Bhojohori Manna offer excellent fish curry, prawn malai, and crab masala. In beach shacks on Puri Beach, you can eat freshly cooked fish and local snacks. For desserts, Chhena Poda (Baked Cheese Dessert) and Rasabali (Dry Fried Cheese in milk) should be consumed.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
- Respect the rules at temples; photography and leather items are prohibited.
- Beware of touts offering unauthorised temple tours or services.
- Book boat rides and guides through government-authorized agencies for Chilika Lake.
- Use sunscreen and stay hydrated while exploring beaches or open areas.
- Carry light, breathable clothing, as Puri’s climate is humid.
- Plan your trip around festivals like Rath Yatra for a cultural experience, but book accommodations in advance.
- Always carry cash, as digital payments might not be accepted everywhere.
Puri is not only a spiritual retreat but a melting pot of history, culture and nature. From the renowned Jagannath Temple to the serene Chilika Lake, the town and its environs are an unforgettable vacation for all visitors. Be it a spiritual getaway, cultural trip or beach break, Puri promises a lifetime of memorable moments. Start planning your visit to this azure gem at the coast and explore the delights of Odisha with TripXL.
Cover Photo: AmlanBiswal25 / Wikimedia Commons
